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I recently had the opportunity for an up close and personal review of the new
Pelikan Toledo, the latest Limited Edition of the 1931 Series. Fellow Chicago
Pen Club member and collector Herb Schulz favors Pelikan, so he was the obvious
choice to visit next for a Collector Profile and this Pelikan review.
Herb Schulz
Herb has retired as of August, 2001 as Professor of Physics at DuPage Community
College. Herb and his wife Chris appreciate fine pens and both have built a nice
collection over the years. So I thought this is going to be a pretty serious interview
with a two-pen collector household.
Herb knew I was also coming over to show the Pelikan Toledo, and I quickly saw
the look of anticipation in his eyes as this was his immediate focus.
The Pelikan Toledo
Said Herb : “My first impression and the first word from my mouth was
“Gorgeous!”…quickly followed by “I want one!” It
is easy to see why Felipe was also so impressed in his recent Pentrace Toledo
review.
I hope that this Pelikan Toledo is not the last in the series, as there sure are
many collectors that would more than welcome other models. This Toledo is probably
to most elaborate decoration in the series with the extremely fine carved designs
and very nice gold Toledo style overlay." Of course, Herb immediately bring
out his 10x magnifier to really inspect the fine details and make a direct comparison
to the original. No, unfortunately he does not have an original, but the Dittmer
and Lehmann Pelikan book is a great reference and he enjoys to study.
Display Cabinet
“I find the Toledo overlay design as compared to the photos of the original
to be remarkably accurate. As you well know, many collectors will make a major
issue over the smallest variation, but here it just takes a glance to know what
it really is. Pelikan seems to have a very faithful model reproduction. No overstated
embellishments, 14K cap rings and a modern 18K nib.
If Pelikan were to ask my opinion as to what other vintage models or colors should
be made, I would not hesitate to ask for the 100 series or the M800 in Tortoise.
The all Tortoise was made from 1935 to 1937, the Tortoise barrel and brown cap
only from 1936 to 1937 and is considered one of their most beautiful materials.
Another color I’d like to see would be the Lizard pattern made from 1935
to 1938. That would be a stunning addition to the line and the Tortoise has been
proven to be a real winner with the 800 recently produced as a limited availability
for the Asian market. The 1931 100 in the all yellow gold would round out the
1931 Series very well.
The Pelikan pens in this series that I own are the 1931 Green and the Weiss gold.
Other Pelikan in my collection include the M400 blue stripe with a retro fitted
18K XF in a nice soft flex, M600 and M800 sizes in the traditional black, green
and black or green and blue stripes. So I guess you can call me a traditional
Pelikan collector, with my pens being closer to original designs and patterns.
When asked why I favor Pelikan I just have to say I like the nice clean design
and I simply appreciate a well-made fountain pen.
I started using fountain pens back in the 1950’s when I had a Parker 21,
only because I could not afford the “51”. Eventually I bought a Parker
61 and was disappointed, the ink supply seemed to run dry too quickly. So the
faithful Parker 21 was used all through High School, College and Graduate School.
In 1974 I decided to treat myself to a Montblanc 144, well less than $100 at that
time, which I bought for myself as a graduation present. I treated myself to my
first expensive pen in 1983, buying a Waterman LeMan 100 in black lacquer, which
I still have and use.
Display Table
In 1986 I discovered the Pelikan M800 which has the 14K nib I prefer. Soon
friends and associates were referring to me as “that eccentric professor
using those old ink pens” which really made me laugh because professors
build their reputation on being eccentric, so I was glad my reputation was building.
Soon I was enjoying other pens, such as the first reissue of the Parker Duofold
in maroon, and later purchased the matching ballpoint with cap actuated top which
I still have. Later came the Orange Centennial Duofold, several Cross Fountain
pens such as the Century in sterling silver, and the beautiful Anniversary Edition.
Others quickly followed such as Aurora Optima in Blue, Sheaffer Balance, Namiki
Sterling Dragon and also a DuPont.
Cross
When I retired in 2001 my wife, Chris, gave me a Montegrappa with sterling
Greek Key pattern barrel simply engraved H.S. 8/2001. This is a very special pen
and has a remarkable engraved pattern that actually changes from Greek Key to
another pattern depending on the lighting when viewed. I enjoy fountain pens,
they seem to slow me down, I find it is very relaxing to write with a softer nib.”
I noticed Herb has a few Levenger pen caddy and holders, so I asked about
his daily rotation. Well, is it a sign one can not make up their mind or simply
if one pen is good several are better? Herb has about eight pens always ready
and inked, and among them several are his favorite Pelikans.
Daily Rotation
So far as inks, I am fond of using a Black and Green Mix (Pelikan in my Piston
Fillers, Quink in others) and Aurora Blue when I’m in a Blue mood.
Photography: Len Provisor
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